
t &os~ 




Hollinger Corp. 
P H8.5 




PROFITS 

FROM 

SCRAP 




Published by 

American Bureau of Engineering, Inc. 

2632 Prairie Avenue - CHICAGO, ILL., U.S.A. 



Four Principal Activities 

of the 

American Bureau of Engineering, Inc. 



THE phenomenal growth of this Institution is due 
to the fact that it has, from the start, anticipated 
the needs for authoritative information and adequate 
shop equipment to take care of the ELECTRICAL side 
of the automotive and allied industries. 

It has four active divisions: 

1. A Bureau of Electrical Engineering, con- 
sulted by automobile manufacturers, 
dealers and b} r technical schools and 
colleges throughout the world. 

2. A Publishing House, employing the high- 
est authorities to compile text books and 
Ready Reference Manuals relating to the 
electrical equipment of Automobiles, 
Trucks, Tractors, and Farm Lighting 
Plants. 

3. A Manufacturing and Sales Organization 
for supplying up-to-date shop equipment 
to the Battery and Electrical Service 
Stations. 

4. An Electrical School, operating this branch 
under the name of " AMBU ENGINEER- 
ING INSTITUTE." This school is con- 
ducted so thatastudent can attend class 
in Chicago, or complete instruction in 
Automotive Electricity can be obtained 
in the Home Study Course. 

American Bureau of Engineering, Inc. 

General Offices 

AMBU BUILDING - 2632 Prairie Avenue 

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 



,5 4- 



Mr. Battery Repairman 



BEFORE reading the following pages, Mr. Batteryman, just 
stop a few minutes and take a good look around your 
shop. You know your business, certainly or you would 
not have a shop, but are you operating in a way to make the 
greatest profit? 

When you stop to think it over, are not some of your methods 
rather crude? Haven't you often thought, when you were 
doing some disagreeable job, that there ought to be a better and 
quicker way? Haven't you often wished that you knew how 
to turn that rapid accumulation of "junk" parts into real money? 

The American Bureau of Engineering is not trying to tell 
you how to run your business, but we are trying to help you 
realize a greater profit by showing you some "better" methods. 

Lead moulding is but one of many ways that spare time and 
material, usually junked, can be turned into profit. 

Every piece of equipment we mention has been carefully 
developed in our own shop, every method recommended is one 
which we have found, by actual experience to be best for the 
purpose described. 

A strict observance of the instructions will save you all the 
experimenting we have done and save you many disappoint- 
ments. If for any reason our instructions do not produce the 
results you think they should, remember it is a pleasure for our 
Engineers to help you solve your personal difficulties. 

AMERICAN BUREAU OF ENGINEERING 




President. 



Copyright 1922 

American Bureau of Engineering, Inc. 

Chicago, 111. 



e>CU66l864 



Profits From Scrap 



IN his every day work, the storage battery service man must deal 
chiefly with three materials, wood, rubber and lead. 
The wooden parts, such as boxes and separators are pretty well 
standardized, can be purchased at reasonable prices and are used solely 
for replacements. It would not pay the battery man to equip his shop 
to manufacture any of these items. 




Figure 1 

The same is true of the rubber parts, the jars and top covers. A 
dozen different sizes in stock will take care of nearly all the various 
makes and models of batteries which come in for repair. 

With the lead parts, however, the conditions are entirely different. 
All the active and wearing parts are made of lead, or its compounds, 
and practically every battery that needs, repair, needs some of them 
replaced. Then again there is a much greater variety in the design of 
these parts and the up-to-date shop, in order to give real service, must 
carry a large assorted stock of end connectors, connector straps, plate 
straps and posts. 

3 



PROFITS FROM SCRAP 



In speaking of lead parts, however, the plates are to be considered 
on the same basis as the rubber parts or wooden boxes, because it would 
not pay the ordinary battery shop to try and cast grids, mix paste and 
manufacture plates. It is much more satisfactory to purchase plates 
made by a responsible manufacturer who has the facilities and capital 
to properly develop his formulae and processes. 

Every battery that has to be opened must have the top connectors 
drilled off as in Fig. 1, which naturally makes a lot of lead chips. These 
drillings have to be cleaned off before proceeding with the repair and 
can, with no loss of time, all be collected, as in Fig. 2, and saved. Then 




Figure 2 



the old sulphated end connectors and parts from "junked" batteries 
accumulate very fast. 

This then is the situation — The battery service station is constantly 
in need of new lead parts. Should they be obtained from a manufac- 
turer at a price that includes material, labor and the manufacturer's 
profit — OR — should equipment be purchased that will permit of mould- 
ing these same parts from the accumulated scrap lead at a cost of noth- 
ing but the time employed in pouring, with no cost for material and no 
"Profits" added? 

No matter how cheap you think you are buying your lead parts, 
just compare the market price per pound on lead with the weight of a 
tew ol your "cheapesl " ones. 

It is now common practice to melt some of this accumulation ol 
scrap lead and pour it into sticks or bars for use in lead burning on 



PROFITS FROM SCRAP 



repair work. A great amount, especially old groups, is generally sold 
at a low price in order to get it out of the way. The one important 
fact, and one generally overlooked, is, that the battery man who melts 
lead and moulds it into sticks for lead burning, certainly is able to melt 
the same metal and mould it into the lead parts he requires, provided, 
of course, that he has the proper moulds. 

Many a wide awake man has whittled a wooden mould for some 
part that he wanted in a hurry and couldn't wait for the manufacturer 
to deliver. Naturally this condition, really an effort to render service 
to the customer, created a demand for moulds of a permanent character. 

In an effort to supply this demand, the moulds that have been pro- 
duced were all made for some individual part, were light in weight and 




Figure 3 



easily became overheated, making them hard to handle and often burn- 
ing the workman's hands. 

From a business standpoint, it would certainly be mighty profitable 
for a battery shop to be able at a moment's notice, to convert junk lead 
into new salable parts. In addition to the large profit from the sale 
of these new parts, another good feature, is that, instead of tieing up a 
lot of capital in stock, the new parts can be made as needed, without a 
cent of investment. 

From a service standpoint, it is a cheaper and faster process to cast 
a new top connector than to spend a lot of valuable time, whittling an 
old one so that it can be used again. 

How much time have you or your men wasted cleaning up an old 
terminal as in Fig. 3, so that you could burn it on again? 



PROFITS FROM SCRAP 



All new connectors and terminals put on a rebuilt or reinsulated 
job make the customer feel that he is getting a real repair. He sees a 
new finished job. 

From an electrical standpoint, the new parts mean better work, 
because better burning can be done, certainly a new connection will 
allow the battery to deliver more current than an old partly sulphated 
one could ever do. 

CAN YOU MAKE GOOD LEAD CASTINGS? 

The question that naturally comes up is, can the ordinary battery 
man make good lead castings? We will answer "Yes," very emphatic- 
ally. There is nothing mysterious about the work and all the talk of 
alloys, compounds and formulae does not mean a great deal. 

Pure lead is not hard or rigid enough to make good battery parts, 
therefore, it is necessary to add some other metal that will provide the 
strength, not be affected by the acid and not increase the resistance 




Figure 4 

electrically. Antimony has all the necessary qualities, and is, therefore, 
commonly used by mixing it with the pure lead. 

The various manufacturers recommend from 2 to 12 percent anti- 
mony, as the proper combination, but in buying new pig lead for castings, 
a 4 percent antimony compound is very satisfactory. 

In using old battery lead, however, due to chemical action the pro- 
portion of antimony is apt to be too high to produce perfect castings. 
This usually shows up by cracks or shrinkage, as in Figure 4. To over- 
come this trouble, pure lead is added, until a perfect casting is made. 
Pure lead can be purchased (in the form of bars, lead pipe, or sheet 
lead) from a manufacturer such as the National Lead Company — your 
accessory jobber, the local plumber, or the junk dealer. When buying 
from a junk dealer, however, care must be taken that there is no solder 
or tin present. 

PREPARATION OF THE LEAD 

In order to pour the lead some means of melting and a proper con- 
tainer must be provided. 



PROFITS FROM SCRAP 7 

As pure lead melts at about 620°F., and antimony at 785°F., an 
ordinary gas flame will furnish sufficient heat. For the small shop, 
without an artificial gas supply, a plumber's furnace which can be 
secured from Hardware Jobber or Plumber Jobber will work satis- 
factorily. See page 19 for gas melting pots. 

An ordinary cast iron solder pot will be found the most suitable 
container. It should be about 8 inches in diameter. 

It is advisable to obtain as large a pot as above, because for steady 
pouring a sufficient supply of melted metal should always be available. 
Then too, the constant addition of scrap or pig lead in a small pot will 
often change the proportion of antimony so that the castings crack and 
have to be melted over again. 

Wash the pot thoroughly with gasoline or kerosene to remove all 
traces of oil. Then after it has been carefully dried, put it over the 
flame and heat it gradually. Do this before putting in any lead. 

The only other equipment necessary to handle the melted lead is a 
ladle. For this purpose a malleable iron melting ladle five inches in 
diameter should be purchased. It can be used for stirring, skim- 
ming and pouring, and the type with a spout, illustrated in Fig. 5 will 




Figure 5 

be found most suitable. The ladle should be cleaned and treated 
exactly like the melting pot. 

The scrap or pig lead can now be put in the pot and melted. It is 
a time saving plan to pick out carefully all the pieces of wood, rubber 
and sealing compound from the scrap lead before it is put in the pot. 
Old plates are not worth while melting, but a lot of good lead can be 
salvaged by sawing the strap and post off old groups. Above all 
things make sure that no wet parts or moisture of any kind ever gets 
into the lead pot. 

GLEANING THE LEAD 

As the lead melts most of the dross or dirt will come to the top and 
float. When all the pieces are melted stir the lead with the ladle and 
then skim off all the dirt. 

To help the cleaning process a piece of paraffin can be dropped into 
the pot. After it has burned, the dross is more easily skimmed off. 

Another method of cleaning is to add to every ten pounds of metal, 
one teasponful of equal parts of powdered rosin, borax and flour of 



s 



PROFITS FROM SCRAP 



sulphur. Stir this com pound in a little and when the lead is at the proper 
temperature there will be a flare, flash or a little burning. A sort of 
tinfoil popcorn effect will be noticed floating on top of the metal. Con- 
tinue stirring until this melts down and then skim off the soft particles. 

An easy way to test the temperature of the melted lead is to insert 
the end of a pine stick for a moment . When the wood blackens or burns, 
the lead is hot enough to pour. 

Whenever the lead is in melted form and exposed to the air, as in 
the iron pot, there will be a slight oxidation take place which appears 
as a yellowish-red scum. Do not confuse this with the dross and dirt 
which is to be skimmed off, but if the scum gets thick, then skim it off 
before pouring any of the metal. 

PREPARING THE MOULD 

One of the greatest difficulties in making lead castings has been to 
get the metal to completely fill the mould. There are several reasons 
for this, but they can easily be overcome. 

If the mould, which is generally made of iron, is very cold, it will 
chill the melted lead and cause it to become solid before it has reached 
all parts. 

The surface of a cast iron mould is very porous, and the melted lead, 
partially entering the pores of the iron, is held back long enough to 
chill and set. 

To remedy these faults, it is sometimes advisable to heat the mould 
in order to get perfectly shaped castings. 

To close the pores of the iron moulds they are sometimes "smoked" 
with a flame like that of "Prest-O-Lite" gas or else dusted with graphite. 

The AMBU mould compound has been developed to eliminate the 




I i:Ui. ( i 



PROFITS FROM SCRAP 



necessity for heating or smoking the mould — it remedies all the pouring 
troubles and in addition, has chemical ingredients that aid in preventing 
the mould from rusting. AMBU mould compound is placed in a little 
sack, contained in each can, and the surface of the mould dusted with 
the sack, as shown in Figure 6. 

The compound completely fills the pores of the iron, produces perfect 
castings with a cold mould and prevents the finished part from sticking. 
It does not wear off as quickly as the "smoke," and dusting from time 
to time, while castings are being made will produce a high polish on 
the mould surface which will result in even better castings. 

The mould in Figure 6 is the new AMBU Washburn combination 
link mould, which casts 15 parts, being reversible much like the ordinary 
' waffle iron." The side being "dusted" casts four top connectors of 
different lengths. 

POURING THE LEAD 

Placing the mould as in Figure 7, the lead is poured in the four 
openings until the metal projects slightly above the top. 

To pour properly first skim the dross as previously explained, then 
with the ladle, push the film of oxide away and dip into the clean pure 
lead. Pour steadily until the mould is filled and the metal projects 
slightly above the top. As it cools there will be quite a little contraction 
which takes up most of the excess lead. 




Figure 7 



10 



PROFITS FROM SCRAP 



Never, under any conditions, stop pouring with a mould partially 
filled. Always be sure there is enough melted lead in the ladle to com- 
pletely till the mould, before starting to pour. 

The mould can now be easily opened by pulling on the handles 
especially if it has been properly dusted with the Ambu Mold Compound. 

After the mould is opened, Figure 8, the castings are easily removed, 
without damage to either the mould or the casting proper. The work- 
man does not, at any time, handle the hot parts of the mould or the hot 
castings. 




Figure 8 



The mould weighs 25 pounds, and is large enough to absorb sufficient 
heat to allow continuous pouring without becoming overheated. It is 
solid enough to be used without the nved of a vise. 

IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS. 

In all lead moulding, there are several important points to remember: 

1. Never put anything in the lead pot that is not perfectly dry. 
A few drops of water in a pot of melted lead will cause an explosion 
and the hot lead will be thrown all over the shop burning and perhaps 
blinding the workman. 

2. Have all moulds clean and dry. 

3. Keep the melted lead in the lead pot clean at all times. 

4. Always completely fill each mould at one pouring. 



PROFITS FROM SCRAP 



11 



5. Dust moulds well with Ambu mould compound before pouring, 

6. When castings "shrink" and crack, add pure lead to that in the 
pot until the trouble is remedied. 

7. Be sure melted lead is of proper temperature, by pine stick test, 
before starting to pour. 

8. Remove castings as soon as they set, to prevent the mould 
from becoming too hot. 

9. A perfect casting, that breaks when taken out of the mould, 
has probably not been allowed sufficient time to "set" or cool properly. 

10. Never use a hammer on the surface of the mould. If a casting 
should stick, pry it out. 



AMBU COMBINATION LINK MOULD 

Using both sides, this mould casts five of the most used connectors 
for all batteries, using Standard Jars, 7-9-11-13-15 Plate four end con- 




Figure 8A* 

nectors (two Dodge Tapers and two Standard Tapers, Negative and 
Positive), one end connector, ^-inch wire leed used on 12-volt Maxwell 
and other cars using wire leed. One small wire leed to connect with end 
post on storage battery requiring direct connection. Post support 
rings, which fit the two sizes standard rubber covers; also fit perfectly 
all posts cast with our post mould. Two handy washers that some- 
times are badly needed when installing a new or rent battery. 

Extra taper plugs can be furnished, also extra bushings for different 
size cable. Standard equipment as furnished includes four taper plugs, 
one large and one small cable bushing. 

The top connectors most frequently replaced are the taper end con- 
* Price, page 17 



12 



PROFITS FROM SCRAP 



nections and end connections with wire cable leeds. For battery men 
desiring these parts, but not the large combination link mould, the 
the AM BU- Wash burn terminal mould, Figure 9, has been designed. 
It has the same general good features of the larger mould, and casts four 
end connectors, one wire cable leed and two washers. 



n a 





Figure 9 * 

AMBU POST STRAP MOULD 

Perhaps the most expensive item of a stock in a battery station, is 
the supply of positive and negative groups. While two or three sizes 
of plates will fit practically every battery, each^size battery requires a 
different size of group. 




Figure 10* 

The AMBU- Washburn Post Strap Mould has been developed in 
order that a comparatively small stock of plates can be instantly avail- 
able for making any size of group. You will notice in Figure 10, that 

* Prices, page 17 



PROFITS FROM SCRAP 



13 



the same features, as those of the link mould of Figure 8 are used, 
namely; a large substantial base, no need of handling hot parts and the 
easy removal of castings. All parts of the moulds are carefully machined 
to produce perfect castings and the patented movable tooth rack will 
make odd or even numbers of teeth on the post strap. The teeth are 
correctly spaced for all standard batteries, or by reversing the tooth 
rack, blank posts can be cast. 

Two bushings, bored and reamed for standard size posts, are fur- 
nished, but special bushings are available making it possible to cast any 
type of post strap. 

AMBU PRODUCTION POST STRAP MOULD 

For the large shop or manufacturer, the AMBU-Washburn Post 
Strap Mould, is made with the special indexing feature of Figure 11. 
This is easily adjustable and will cast straps of both odd and even num- 
bers of teeth for 7 to 19 plate groups. Otherwise its construction and 
appearance is the same as Figure 10. 

Both of these moulds are made for real use and will turn out three 
perfect castings per minute. This unusual speed can be maintained 
because the castings are easily removed. In Figure 10, the upper part 
of the mould is resting on a part of the handle made for that purpose 
and a slight blow on a hardwood stick, on the top of the post, will drop 
the casting instantly. 




Figure 11 



AMBU CELL CONNECTOR MOULD 

The AMBU-Washburn Cell Connector Mould is a combination mould 
which will cast practically all of the cell connectors used on standard 
storage batteries, 7-11-13 and 15 plate, such as the Exide, Willard, U. 

* Prices, page 17 



14 



PROFITS FROM SCRAP 



S. L., Vesta, Philadelphia and other nationally known batteries. Its 
design is similar to our Link Combination Mould. 

Made of fine gray iron, carefully machined. Castings are easily re- 
moved, and it is heavy enough so that it will not overheat where speed 
is required. 




Figure 12 

After re-insulating or repairing, the job looks more complete and 
satisfactory to your customer if the battery is furnished with a new set 
of connectors. Use your scrap lead and make new connectors for each 
job. It pays. 



AMBU SCREW MOULD 

The lead capped screws of the taper type terminal are another of 
the frequently replaced parts. Although the round knurled head type 
is no longer installed, a great many men still use pliers on the square 
head terminal screws with the result that the soft square lead head is 
damaged to such an extent that a tight connection cannot be made. 

The AMBU-Washburn Screw Mould, Figure 13, will cast standard 
square edged heads on four screws in one operation, two ^g-inch and two 




Figure 13 



: 's-incli. It has screw adjustments in the base, making it adaptable to 
an\ length screw. 

As the finished screws are removable from the top, the position ot 
the mould is not changed while in use and castings can be made at the 
rate ot 1 2 screws a minute. 
* Prices, page 1 7 



PROFITS FROM SCRAP 



15 



AMBU LEAD STICK MOULD 

In order to properly burn in and assemble the new lead parts, it 
is necessary that they be fused and new lead added, and this requires 
that a supply of lead sticks be available. These are usually made by- 
melting the smaller particles of scrap and junk lead which is cast in 
convenient size. 

The Ambu Mould, Figure 14, is especially designed for this purpose. 
It is made of heavy sheet iron, die stamped into grooves and mounted 
on a w r ooden base with a strong wooden handle at one end. A heavy 
pad of asbestos is placed under the iron to protect the wood. 

This construction allows the lead to completely fill the grooves 
before cooling, but prevents the mould from becoming exceedingly hot 




Figure 1 4 



with constant pouring. A pair of these moulds will keep one workman 
busy, as he pours one, the other is cooling. This eliminates all waiting 
and waste of time. 

The sticks made are 15 inches long, % inch thick, ^ inch wide 
at the top and 34 inch at the bottom. In pouring in an open mould 
of this type, pour the lead in each groove at one end, so that the dross 
will all gather in one spot. Never move the ladle along the groove 
when pouring, as this will scatter the dross and make the entire stick 
dirty. 

When poured at one end only, a short length of the stick may be 
broken off, thus removing all the dross. 

Dusting the mould occasionally with Ambu mould compound will 
produce better castings and permit greater speed in the work. 

AMBU PLATE BURNING RACK 

The building of groups, even after the plates and post straps are 
secured is a job that requires quite a lot of skill. Before the plates 
* Prices, page 17 



16 



PROFITS FROM SCRAP 



can be burned to the strap, they must be absolutely parallel, must be 
the correct distance apart, and the top surface of the strap must be 
at right angles to the surface of the plates. 

The Ambu Plate Burning Rack, Figure 15, has been designed to 
easily secure the proper conditions. It consists of a wooden base with 
six different sets of slots properly spaced which cares for 98% of the 




Figure 15* 

batteries on the market. The guide bar or "comb" on top is slotted to 
match up with the base, (see figure 15.) 

The positions of the base and comb are so arranged that the plates 
are securely held on opposite corners, at exactly the right distance apart 
and are absolutely straight and parallel. 

The wooden base prevents the plate proper from coming in contact 
with any metal and thus eliminates any possibility of later trouble due 
to impurities in the cell. 







"■ ^^ 



Figure 16 



In order to accomodate the different sizes and spacings, the comb 
can be adjusted vertically and the slots are arranged in groups of dif- 
ferent spacings. These adjustments are flexible enough to allow the 
setting up of practically all the various groups used in the different 
makes and type of batteries. 

Special fittings are provided so that alter the plates and post are 
properly set a form can be built on the comb which not only locks the 

* Prices, page 1 7 



PROFITS FROM SCRAP 



17 



plates in the comb but prevents the hot lead from running off while 

burning and makes the finished strap of exactly the proper dimensions 

to properly fit into the jar. 

For use in the smaller shop the small Ambu Plate Burning Rack, 

Figure 16, is recommended. It has all the features of the larger rack 
but the spacings of the combs limit it to the %" and }/%' spacings such 

as are found in all the popular batteries. 

AMBU POST BUILDERS 

After the top connectors have been drilled off and the group is to 
be reassembled in the repaired battery, in order to make a good quick 
weld to the top strap, the post must be built up to its original height. 




Figure 17. See bottom of page 



The Ambu Post Builders, Figure 17, have been built to speed up 
the post building process. They are made of high grade steel and are 
of the proper size to rebuild all the standard battery posts. 

Simply place the proper Ambu Post Builder on the stub post, and 
burn in molten lead to the proper height. The construction is such 
that the post builder is easily removed, leaving a new and perfectly 
sized post for burning to the cell connector. 

The set of ten, illustrated in Figure 17, covers all standard makes of 
batteries. 



Following are prices of equipment illustrated in preceding pages 

which may be purchased from the Battery Appliance Division, American Bureau of Engineering , 
Inc., 2632 Prairie Avenue, Chicago, or from your Jobbsr. 

Adjustable Screw Mould (Fig. 13) $12.50 

Battery Post Builders. Set of Ten (Fig. 17) 2.00 

Ladle for Pouring Lead and Sealing Compound (Fig. 17) 2.75 

Lead Stick Moulds (Fig. 14). (Pair, $2.75), each 1.50 

Link Combination Mould (Fig. 8A) complete 35.00 

Mould Compound for making castings "come clean" (Fig. 6) 50 

Plate Burning Rack, Large Type "B" (Fig. 15) 8.75 

Plate Burning Rack, Small Type "A" (Fig. 16) 5.95 

Post Strap Mould (Fig. 10) complete 18.00 

Production Post Strap Mould (Fig. 11) complete 35.00 

Terminal Mould (Fig. 9) complete . . 9.85 



<30B> HELPS for the Service Station 



Johnson Direct- jet Lead Melting Pots 

In line with our desire to serve the Battery Service Stations of the country, 
we have arranged to otter the Johnson Direct-jet Gas-fired Melting Pots. These 
furnaces use either natural or manufactured gas. They embody a special 
patented Gas-regulator which permits of a quick change in the size of the gas 
orifice, by t he i u in of a wrench. 

This Regulator throws a sharp, clean jet of gas straight up the center of the 
mixing tube, giving the nearest approach to 100% combustion that can be 
imagined. 

No Blowers or Forced Draft are necessary. City gas pressure is 
enough. 

No. 300 Pot. Melts 150 lbs. lead at a charge, using only 40 cubic feet of 
city gas per hour. Has 3 Direct-jet Burners. No forced draft necessary 
Height, 28 inches; weight, 100 lbs. Price f. o. b. Cedar Rapids, Iowa. $25.00. 
Stock No. MJP1. 

No. 8 Combined Torch and Pot. Melts 25 lbs. of lead at a charge. Beight, 14 inches; 
weight, 9J^ II) Single adjustable burner, with pilot. Can be used as an efficient hand torch. 
( Jonsumes 20 to 25 cubic feet of gas per hour. Price complete with 6 inch Pot, as shown, f. o. b. 
(V,lar Rapids. Iowa. $9.00. Stock No. MJP2. 



Send orders to 
BATTERY APPLIANCE DIVISION 

AMERICAN BUREAU OF ENGINEERING, INC 

2632 Prairie Avenue 

Chicago, 111. 





PRICES SUBJECT TO CHANGK WITHOUT NOTICE 



3flU> PRODUCTS that MAKE MONEY and SAVE 
TIME FOR BATTERY REPAIR SHOPS 





<^BBS> Battery Steamers 

Softens sealing compound on batteries. Within 
less than five minutes prepares them so that ele- 
ments can be easily removed. 

Automatic valve regulates water supply. Steam 
is quickly produced. Saves time and fuel cost. 

For use with gas, gasoline, kerosene or electric 
stoves. Has six outlets and adjustable valve for 
opening the required number of outlets. 

For Battery Men desiring to steam one or more 
batteries at one time, depending upon their size, 
we offer the Tvpe "A" Steamer with Steaming 
Box. 

AMBIT COX- n- steams tube 

DENSER FOR 
DISTILLING 
WATER, accom- 
panies either type 
Steamer, if de- 
sired. When 
Steamer is not be- 
ing used for 
steaming batteries, and when used in conjunction with this Condenser, will produce about one 
gallon of distilled water per hour at very small cost. 

Type "B" Ambu Steamer complete with Condenser 1 

Type "B" Ambu Steamer without Condenser ' Prices 

Type "A" Ambu Steamer complete with Condenser } on 

Type "A" Ambu Steamer without Condenser \ request 

Ambu Condenser for Distilling Water J 

Battery Plate Press 

Three Groups of Plates Pressed at One Time 

With the Ambu Plate Press there is no possibility of iron, the greatest 
enemy of a battery, touching the plates. 

In discharged negative plates, the active material is bulged out and must 
be pressed back flush with the grids before the plates can be used again. 

The Ambu Battery Plate Press is made of heavy hardwood timber with 
two horizontal wooden jaws between which the battery plates are pressed. A 
set of lead covered troughs carries away the acid. The upper jaw of the press 
is attached to a screw shaf for raising or lowering it. A complete set of transite 

boards for placing between the plates, and a sub- 
stantial wall support are included in the purchase 
price. Press complete, including set of press sepa- 
rator boards sufficient to press three groups, and 
substantial wall support. Price on request. 

Ambu Press Separator Boards in sets as above 
also may be purchased separately. Price on request. 

Compound and Lead Ladle 

A Ladle that will permit of pouring seal- 
ing compound into the small openings be- 
tween top covers or jars without spilling or 
slopping over top of battery. With the 
special center drain controlled by taper 
pin with touch of your thumb you are able 
to control the flow of sealing compound 
from the stream as fine as a pin to a stream 
as thick as your thumb. 

Designed also for pouring lead, and has many advantages over ordinary ladle. 

Made of forged malleable iron, extra deep, with two lips in addition to center spout, four inches in diameter. 
Price on request. 






<aHB> PRODUCTS that MAKE MONEY and SAVE 
TIME FOR BATTERY REPAIR SHOPS 



CADMIUM LEADS 



Battery Test Set 




DISCHARGEPRODS 



Consisting of a high grade accurate volt- 
meter with two scales, permitting readings as 
high as 25 volts; Cadmium Leads, and Pair 
discharge prods and leads. With this complete 
set all tests necessary to determine the inside 
condition of a battery can be made, except 
those obtained through hydrometer readings. 
Sold as a complete set or as individual units. 
Price on request. 



8ED^> Battery Carrier 



The AMBU Batter}^ Carrier, designed to 
make the carrying of batteries easy, as well 
as the removing and placing of batteries in 
cars. An unusually handy tool around a shop. 
Made of a hardwood handle with a swinging 
steel arm at each end, to which is attached a 
strong steel lock for engaging the handles of 
a battery box. Sold singly or in pairs. 

Prices on request. 




<3HI^> Battery Turntable 







Designed to make the handling of a bat- 
tery on the work bench easy. Permits get- 
ting at all sides of the battery with least 
amount of effort. 

Made of two stout pieces of hard wood 
pivoted to each other and mounted on ball 
bearings. It is also handy for working on 



heavy 



generators 



and starting motors. 



Price on request, 



Write for Catalog M-53, Helps For Battery Men 



<^0ED> HELPS for the Service Station 



ti&SRl Torch 



For Lead Burning, Soldering, Brazing 

USING PREST-O-LITE GAS AND 
COMPRESSED AIR 

This torch produces a soft pointed flame. 
Especially adapted for all torch uses in repairing 
of storage batteries. Can be nosed into post 
builder; stirring moulten lead with nose of torch 
without popping out. Not affected by wind. 
Burns clean, requiring heat up to 5300 degrees 
Fahrenheit. 

The torch operates on Prest-o-lite Gas and 
Compressed Air. Tank attachment on Mixing 
Valve is easily adapted to A, B or E size Prest- 
o-lite tank. Air derived from any air line fur- 
nishing 20 lbs. pressure or over. Small air tank 
with foot pump can be used. Needle point flame 

instantly adjustable through a range of 4000 degrees without changing tip. The most economi- 
cal, efficient and time saving torch on the market doing the same class of work. 

Complete Outfit Consists of: 
1 Torch 1 Mixing Valve (Tank Attachment) 

1 Soldering Iron Attachment 2 Six-foot Hose Lengths 

Hose connections 1 Prest-o-lite Tank Key 

i " ~"i Price on request. 

—— — — » RADIATOR SOLDERING ATTACHMENTS 

These attachments are great time savers in the repairing of radiators, giving the 
operator a combination open flame and soldering iron in repairing tubular and honey- 
comb radiators. 

Sold only for use with the Ambu Washburn Torch. 






^3I^> Electric Solder Iron 



Works wherever there is a storage battery, on the 
car, in the shop or garage. 

Furnished complete with wires, clamps, supply of 
carbon tips, wire solder and solder paste. Ready to use. 

Handy for quick soldering jobs. 

Is not necessary to wait fifteen minutes, nor even 
one minute to get it hot— IT HEATS UP INSTANT- 
LY. Cannot burn out — no parts to break. No current 
wastsd when not in use. Price on request. 



Ford Standard Electrical Equipment 

SERVICE MANUAL ON FORD STARTING, LIGHTING AND IGNITION 

Covers F-A or Liberty Electrical System now standard equip- 
ment now put on the Ford car at the factory. 

Each unit is described in dstail and illustrated by internal 
and external wiring diagrams. 

Complete instruction is also given on the location and cor- 
rection of starting, lighting, and ignition troubles. 

Tells how to adjust the generator. Explained so clearly and 
simply that even the inexperienced can make necessary repairs 
or adjustments. No mechanic or owner who attempts repairs 
on this system can afford to be without this authoritative book. 

Printed on high grade enameled paper with flexible binding 
— 150 pages — 49 illustrations. 

Money back if not satisfied and book is returned within 
five days. 
Price delivered $2.00 

Write for Catalog M-53, Helps for Battery Men 




<®^> HELPS for the Service Station 



SERVICE MANUALS 

Covering ike 

ELECTRICAL 

EQUIPMENT 

ArMOTOR CARS 




■■: 



,,>S ::'-;, 



Sxa 



AMBU Service Manuals 

Containing both internal and external wiring diagrams, test 
and performance data. 

Illustrates each type of starting motor, generator, cut-out or 
regulator by large diagrams. Shows field coils, brushes and 
connections exactly as they should be. Internal diagram of 
generator, also shows wiring of cut-out or regulator, ammeter 
and battery on same page, thus giving clear diagram of entire 
charging circuit. 

Prepared so that you can instantly find information you 
desire. Car Equipment Tables give name of car, model, year, 
make of equipment, type of generator, its regulation, type of 
starting motor, and instantly gives you description, test data, 
setting of generator, the drive, test data arid description of 
starting motor. A separate list is also given of each make and 
type of generator and starting motor so that if you do not know 
the car model but have the number or type of generator or 
starting motor, the information is easily found. 

Contain also a Battery Table, furnishing make, type, voltage, 
ampere hour capacity, dimensions and order number of battery used on each particular car. 

Each book is printed on strong kraft paper, in a beautiful flexible binding, containing over 
600 pages. 

Ambu 1920-21 Service Manual] 

Ambu 1918-19 Service Manual \ $5.75 Each 

Ambu 1916-17 Service Manual] 

The Automobile Storage Battery 

Its Care and Repair 

(Over 30,000 copies sold since first edition released) 

COMPLETE READY REFERENCE FOR 
BATTERY MEN 

It gives complete information on what a stor- 
age battery is, how to take care of it, the tools 
required, the right shop equipment, proper charg- 
ing methods, best repair methods, etc. 

There are 400 pages written in easy-to-under- 
stand language, profusely illustrated with dia- 
grams and photographic reproductions that bring 
out the text matter clearly. The theory, manu- 
facture and maintenance are explained in detail, 
also complete instructions given on the efficient 
:;i management and operation of a battery repair 
shop. 

This book is recognized as the most complete 
and authoritative treatise on the automobile 
storage battery thai lias ever been published. 

Guaranteed satisfactory or money refunded, 
if book is returned within five days after receipt. 

Price, delivered $5.00 

Write for Catalog M-53 Helps for Battery Men 




PRICES SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE 



A Simple System that Locates Electrical 
Trouble Quickly, Efficiently, Unfailingly 




Trouble Shooter 
System* y 



Makes starting, lighting, ignition and battery repair work definite, accurate, more profitable. 
Eliminates all guesswork, groping in the dark, trusting to luck methods. Provides the necessary 
and essential testing equipment for auto electric repair in one compact, portable efficient system. 



Brings You More Business, 
More Profits 

Thousands of garages, repair shops, battery and 
electric service stations are adding hundreds of dollars 
and new customers through the use of the AMBU 
system. Millions of car owners know of the worlds 
and worlds of trouble the electric equipment of a car 
is giving. They are seeking the shop well equipped 
and that KNOWS HOW. With the AMBU System 
and a knowledge of electricity your ability to handle 
electrical repair work is never in doubt. AMBU 
enables you to locate trouble in ONE SIXTH the time 
usually required and far more efficiently. 



Makes You the Electrical 
Master of Over 1300 Models 

With between 600 and 700 different types of starting, 
lighting, ignition and battery equipment used in over 
1,300 makes and models of cars, no man can even 
expect to know their details — regulation — rates of 
charge, discharge, motor and generator, test data, etc. 
The AMBU System supplies these bewildering details, 
quickly, easily and accurately. No matter what is 
wrong — The AMBU System shoots the trouble and 
never fails. 



An Official AMBU Franchise 
Brings You Prestige and Profits 

To secure a franchise for an Official Ambu Service Station 
is to have greater prestige and earn more and bigger 
profits. Automobile owners from Coast to Coast know 
that the Official Ambu Service Station sign on a garage, 
repair shop, battery or electrical Service Station stands 
for the highest degree of efficiency in electrical repair work. 
To maintain this reputation AMBU Franchises are given 
with care. If you are not now qualified — we have a plan 
that will give you the necessary knowledge. 




Most auto troubles are found in the electric equipment ; 
and require hours of searching; from the commutator to 
the battery and back again. Equip yourself to eliminate 
this useless searching and make the big profits. The 
cost of AMBU is a trifling detail compared to its tremendous 
earning power. You can pay as you earn on our deferred 
payment plan if you choose. 

AMBU Specific Details 
And Plans Win Customers 

The free test day plan brings new customers to you at 
once. The monthly test card assures you a steady number 
of permanent customers and a fixed income. Motorists 
pay you in advance for monthly testing service and give 
you all repair work. You circularize the car owners in 
your community with letters, mailings, literature and 
selling ideas supplied free by us. We help you build your 
business bigger, better and more profitable. 

Write To-day For Full Information 

Not a single minute to lose. Write now for further 
facts. Act Quick. 



American Bureau of Engineeering, Inc. 

2632 Prairie Avenue - CHICAGO, ILL. 



<^jjP> HELPS for the Service Station 

AMBU Battery Tester 

FOR AUTO OR RADIO STORAGE BATTERIES 
A Quick Seller For Your Accessory Department 

RED, WHITE AND GREEN BALLS 
TELL SPECIFIC GRAVITY OF BATTERY SOLUTION 




. 



Simplest, most efficient and easiest to read battery 
tester ever yet offered to the battery owner. Unlike 
any hydrometer or tester on the market. Instead of 
the glass float used on ordinary hydrometers, which 
are hard to read and understand, it has three balls, 
colored red, white and green which tell the whole 
story. 

Astonishingly simple to test a battery with it, 
because the following jingle regarding the three balls, 
and the positions the}^ assume in the electrolyte or 
liquid tells the story — 

" Floats all three, battery is charged fully. 
Sinks the white, charge still right, 
Sinks the green, charge is lean. 
Sinks the red, charge is dead." 

A battery can be tested with it with as much 
accuracy as any hydrometer on the market. The 
specific gravity of each ball is accurate to the fourth 
decimal point. It can be "rend" in semi-darkness. 

Is only (i'j inches long and designed SO thai it 
can be carried in the tool box where it is Always 
Handy A mighty big value tor only 75c. 

Furnished to the Dealer in an attractive counter 

display box, one do/en to each package. W hen 

placed <>n t he counter it sells itself. 

Write for dealers' prices and details on this fasl 
selline article 



PRICES SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE 



AND NOW— 

YOU have been reading how to increase the profits of your 
shop through the use of materials previously wasted- 
There is another way of stopping leaks and increasing 
earnings. That is by making the best possible use of every 
man's time. 

In this connection we would like to tell you briefly about 
the activities of the Educational Division of the American 
Bureau of Engineering, Inc. 

This institution foresaw the need of providing instruction 
on fundamental electricity, ignition, starting and lighting and 
storage batteries, so that garage owners, foremen, general 
repair men and mechanics could handle electrical repair jobs 
at a profit. 

Here in Chicago For those unable 

we are offering an HHHHHGSBHi *'° ^ eave their employ- 

eight weeks' course of j '"""*■ ■'■~ ' "~"-' K "-T^'f ? A ment and come to 

forty-four hours per rT""*"] '{"""** ' -* M Chicago, we have de- 

week, devoted to in- &fcJ!&SS^ R veloped a series of 

tensive instruction in jj^SB m Home Study prob- 

theory and practical ^ »~ - a i ems and solutions 

shop work. This which have proved 

training enables the S ~i~ interesting and prac- 

student to become an l"^ 8 *" tical. Lesson sched- 

expert in this highly *. ST"" ules can be arranged 

specialized field, fit- M S to suit the individual 

ting him to supervise Slp^eP^P student. Close per- 

the work of other ^ ? * H sonal cooperation aids 

mechanics or to oper- ^ m the Home Study 

ate a shop of his own student in making 

as an expert in Auto- ^WPSSSB^ satisfactory progress, 

motive Electrical Re- 
pairs. 

The two methods of instruction are identical with the exception that 
the Resident Student gets actual practice in addition to theory. 

Through our other activities we are able to keep in close touch with 
the situation and be certain that the instruction offered is strictly up- 
to-date and practical. 

In writing for catalogue PLEASE ADVISE if you want 
information of study in Chicago or study at home 

American Bureau of Engineering, Inc. 

Dept. LM 
2632 Prairie Avenue - - CHICAGO, ILL. 

We graduate some excellent Automotive Electricians. 
If in need of a man WRITE US. 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 



003 737 451 




AMBU PRODUCTS 

Are Time Savers and Money Savers 
Tried and Proven by Years of Use 



That's Why the Care- 
ful Buyer Insists on 



AMBU PRODUCTS 



M 



Hollinger 
P H8: 







003 737 451 9 



Hollinger Corp. 
P H8.5 



